Tensions high after sectarian fighting in Tripoli

Euronews

Three people including a Sunni Islamist commander have been killed in the Lebanese city of Tripoli as fighting continues to spill over from Syria.

Lebanese officials say the violence, between Alawite and Sunni gunmen is “alarming and dangerous” and likely to escalate.

Gunmen from Tripoli’s Alawite-populated Jabal Mohsen district have been tackling Sunni fighters in the Bab al-Tabbaneh area.

One local resident blamed the Alawites for breaking a ceasefire.

“The situation in these areas is to be blamed on Refaat Eid, the leader of the local Alawite community.
He is killing children and making people homeless. His regime is exactly like that of (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad,” said one man from Bab Al-Tabbaneh.

Friday’s deaths bring to 15 the number of people killed in Tripoli since the beginning of the week.

Lebanon suffers similar sectarian divisions as Syria where its mostly Sunni Muslims who are leading the revolt against the Assad, who is part of the Alawite minority.

Lebanese officials deployed troops and tanks on Thursday to quell the violence.